Ok, (I hope I'm doing this right)
I'm posting this in the Ask A Geek group and I really, really need to know how to transfer my family's home movies to DVD. Our videos date from 1984 to current and they mean a lot to us, we would most likely keep the VHS tapes but want copies for DVD (and I'll probably have edited versions too.)
But I need help...I have no idea what I need to get started. I know that their are businesses that offer this kind of service but I'm dubious about what software their using and how to find a reputable pro, trusting someone else with our memories and so on so I thought I would try for myself.
What software would I need? I'm getting a new laptop soon (well, hopefully...and it will most likely be a Dell Studio 15) and I want to get something that is compatible and the best.
How do I start? What DVDs should I get? Are all blanks the same?
It can be frustrating they way things go from VHS to DVD to HD and then Blu-ray...basically, I want to make sure that whatever DVDs I get or software I use will last a loooong time (so that we can pass on our memories) and also not be some passing trend that will push us to update again so soon or anything.
Maybe, I won't need to buy anything at all. My laptop will have a lot of features but I would really, really, really appreciate some tips, advice, suggestions. ANYTHING!
Thank you in advance! 
Graham and Green
Pierre Hardy
Nﾟmph
Things You'll Need:
DVD recorder
VHS player or camcorder
Set of RCA cables (red, white, yellow)
Blank DVDs
Coaxial cable
Hook up your VHS player to your DVD recorder. Using the RCA cables, locate the "out" ports on your VHS player and the "in" ports on your DVD recorder. Plug in the wires.
Hook up your DVD recorder to your TV. Using the coaxial cable, locate the "out" port on your DVD recorder (will look like a screw), then connect it to the "in" port on your TV (will also look like a screw).
Turn your TV on and tune it to channel 3. Then tune your DVD recorder to the appropriate "Line In" mode. You can determine this by checking the ports where you plugged in the RCA wires. There should be a label there which indicates the appropriate mode. Tune the receiver to this mode.
Insert the tape into your VHS player or camcorder. If you have a camcorder, put it in "VCR" mode. Press "Play." If your TV now has the right picture, then you've set up correctly. If not, go back and check your work using the previous steps. Once you have a picture, stop and rewind the tape to the beginning.
Insert a blank DVD into the recorder. Press "Record," then press "Play" again on your VCR or camcorder. When you've finished, press "Stop" on both.
Finalize the disc in order to make the DVD playable in a regular DVD player. Follow the instruction manual that comes with your DVD recorder; this process is different for every player.
Tip:
1Buy a DVD recorder that uses all the available blank DVD formats, which are DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW. This way, no matter what type of DVDs you buy, they will be compatible with your player.
Thanks NurseKimberly, you're the best!
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